Mitziut

Nonprofit Issues:

Address:

6636 N Washtenaw ChicagoIL60645USA

Mission:

At Mitziut we find how the text, liturgy and holidays teach us to live in the world today. Many of us having searched elsewhere, we foster community and Divine experience by singing, dancing, praying, drumming, working for social justice and eating together. We welcome all regardless of race, class, religion, sex, sexuality, gender and gender identity, age, ability or knowledge and experience of Judaism.
Current offerings include Shabbos and holidays, a Jewish drum circle, classes and spiritual guidance. We also have started going to festivals, like Burning Man, and setting up Jewish camps and hope to do more.
Other future plans include a community center with such elements as a kosher cafe, copy center, computers, book swap library, offices for local non-profits and other needs of the Jewish and local community. A monthly spiritual recharge for social justice workers, non-profits workers and activists is in the works. We also envision a study, prayer and meditation program for those who want to engage thusly several hours a day. These folks would potentially help run the community center as part of their program.

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Reviews for Mitziut

Mitziut expresses Jewish core values and prayers in a relatable way. There is social activism opportunities, movement opportunities, prayer opportunities and shared meals. In a word,my experience with Mitziut is "meaningfull". (double 'l' intended)

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Amazing. Starting from scratch from a first planning meeting in my Chicago living room, Mitziut's Leadership has in short order built a foundation as strong as some of the more established renewal synagogues where I now live in California. There's ample room and need to grow and create. But given its so recent beginning, Mitziut is a real tribute to the power of vision, intention, heart, wisdom and hard work in creating the core of a fresh new community that will infuse those in it's embrace with Jewish consciousness and meaning.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

the commitment to its vision by a small cadre of leaders, and their ability to forge community seemingly out of thin air

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

infuse an ever increasing number of people with jewish consciousness, meaning and purpose; grow the solid new community for which it has build a very strong foundation in short order; all of tis with an eye toward tikkun olam

How frequently have you been involved with the organization?

One time

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Mitziut is a very special organization. After attending one service, I was hooked. I really appreciate the way the community welcomed me, my husband, and many others I introduced to Mitziut over the years. This community not only was beneficial in helping me connect more to my Jewish identity, but to the Jewish community in Chicago as a whole. The organization hosts many events, many of which provide service to struggling populations in Chicago. For me, Mitziut provided me with a place to connect spiritually with G-d through prayer, singing, and at times, dancing! I loved sharing many long nights at services and potluck meals with others. I loved participating in monthly Rosh Chodesh groups. I am saddened by the fact that I can no longer attend services as much as I did previously since I moved. I truly miss the community and especially the environment created by Rabbi Menachem Cohen.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I love Mitziut. I've been to more than a handful of synagogues in Chicago, and none can match the sense of community or the spiritual depth and focus over at Mitziut. Shabbats are joyful, connected get togethers where congregants share their lives. The community is welcoming, supportive and, itself, an inspiration. Also, I just love how easy it is for our many varied ways of connecting Jewishly to coexist and thrive.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

attending Shabbat services and other events.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

N/A

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

that prayer takes on this deeper substance. Nothing feels rote. Services feels meaningful, resonating and easygoing. And I love that we meet in a home setting or at the beach. There is something organic about the whole experience.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

Very open, caring, and inviting.

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

Pay its clergy (I don't actually know how this aspect of things works, but I can't believe that the clergy pay is enough at this point); have a staff; perhaps build a synagogue; do even more outreach and community building.

Ways to make it better...

N/A

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

It's grassroots nature. It's both the best thing it has going for it and the biggest challenge, I'd say. It's what brings the community together so much, but it also may limit the kind of funding available for administration, etc.

One thing I'd also say is that...

N/A

How frequently have you been involved with the organization?

About every month

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Mitziut is an incredibly topical, necessary, of the moment movement to promote a real relationship with community and Judaism. Like many people with young children, I was looking for a place where I 'fit' and where I could pass on my love for my religion to my son and husband. Mitziut holds a monthly Sabbath celebration for families and children and it has given our family and child an authentic experience with his religion and has been a real community builder for us. I SO APPRECIATE MITZIUT IN MY LIFE!!!

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Mitziut provides a senses of community for spiritualy orianted otherwise non afiliated jews in chicago. I enjoy the community dinners and prayer and am hoping to start a tanach study group some time soon.